Regulatory

A Waterfront Regulatory Primer

Waterfront has always been planned as a place for low-rise, low-density development.

Development is governed by state law (Chapter 91/Municipal Harbor Plan) and municipal zoning (Harborpark District).

Current height limit is 155’ and Floor Area Ratio (density) is 4.0.

50% open space (open to the sky) is required.

Urban Renewal Plan envisioned both residential and commercial uses.

Density now on the Waterfront:

As you can see in the white dots, most development along the waters edge has a density below 10. Those that are above that number do not have height. Some of the developments being considered by the BRA today are nearly 2 times the average density along the waterfront today.

Also, when looking at development of other cities in the country, you can see by the comparisons below, most have substantially more distance between the water and their buildings:

As you can see in the white dots, most development along the waters edge has a density below 10. Those that are above that number do not have height. Some of the developments being considered by the BRA today are nearly 2 times the average density along the waterfront today.

Also, when looking at development of other cities in the country, you can see by the comparisons below, most have substantially more distance between the water and their buildings: